Non Asbestos Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer affects the thin layer of skin that covers the chest or abdomen. Asbestos exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma, and the risk increases with the length and intensity of the asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma sufferers may be wondering how they came to it. A mesothelioma lawyer could help to identify possible asbestos exposure sources.
1. Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is an unusual type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) or tummy (peritoneum). It is often caused by asbestos exposure and takes 20 to 40 years to develop. It's not the lung cancer that affects just one person in every 100,000 in Australia every year.
Asbestos is a natural mineral composed of microscopic, strong fibers. It was used to make hundreds of products for commercial, industrial, and residential use including drywall, pipes, adhesives, tiles, and cement. The most common kind of asbestos that is linked to mesothelioma, called chrysotile, is the chrysotile. People who worked with asbestos on a regular basis are at the highest risk, especially those who were exposed in their work environments, such as shipyard workers construction workers, shipyard workers as well as asbestos manufacturers, and those who handled asbestos, mixed or removed. Men are more likely than women to have been in jobs that exposed them to asbestos and this could be the reason why more men are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
If you're diagnosed with mesothelioma your doctor will examine the history of your condition and possibly diagnose you using a number of tools. This includes a physical exam, chest x-rays and lung function tests. They will also ask you about your work, cultural and family history. If they suspect you have mesothelioma, they'll refer you to a specialist.
You'll need to be referred by your GP, but the process of referral can differ according to where you live.
There are a variety of factors that can influence your treatment options.
There is no cure for mesothelioma, but early diagnosis can improve your chances of survival and help you get the treatment you require. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms consult your GP. They can arrange for you see a specialist and direct you to the most reputable mesothelioma treatment center. They will conduct a variety of tests to confirm the diagnosis and assist you select a treatment option that is right for you.
2. Viral Infections
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, occurs in the linings that surround different organs. It is most commonly found in the lung (pleural mesothelioma), but can also be found in the tummy's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or even in the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). In the UK more than 2,700 people are annually diagnosed with mesothelioma. The cancer is not curable, but treatment can reduce symptoms.
The most significant reason for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. The fire- and heat-resistant mineral was used in the production of various construction and building materials until it was banned in the year 1970. Workers who handled or removed these materials, like miners, electricians, plumbers, insulators, pipefitters and remodelers of older homes, are at high risk of exposure.
Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through inhalation or swallowing tiny fibers of the material. These fibers can pierce the lining of the mesothelium and cause the formation of a tumor. The tumors may be malignant and can spread to other parts.
Symptoms of mesothelioma typically don't appear until decades after exposure. They can include breathlessness, chest pain or abdominal distress. A person with these symptoms should tell their doctor about their asbestos exposure background. They should also ask to be sent to a mesothelioma expert to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers believe that genetics as well as chemical and environmental factors play a part in mesothelioma. Some of these factors could cause cocarcinogens - substances which increase the cancer-causing potential of other chemicals. Other studies have shown that viruses, such as the SV40 virus, may be associated with mesothelioma. A few studies suggest that talcum, which is more frequently used by women than men may contribute to mesothelioma.
More research is required to understand the causes of mesothelioma. As more information is discovered, doctors will be able to offer better treatment in order to reduce the number of cases. Although asbestos is the most commonly cited mesothelioma cause, it is important to also recognize other risks. This will improve the outcomes for patients and help prevent mesothelioma forming in the first place.
3. Chemical Exposure
Chemicals are part of our everyday lives and are used in the production in a variety of industries. Chemical use has risen due to the development of industries and the demand for both goods and services. This has had a negative effect on the environment and worker's safety, especially for those who deal with chemicals.
There are a number of ways people can be exposed to chemicals, including inhalation, ingestion and skin contact. After a chemical is taken into the body, it can become more or less toxic depending on how it is processed by the liver. For example carbon tetrachloride (a old solvent, is now known to cause damage to the liver. After ingesting it the body may break down some chemicals into safer substances. This process is known as metabolism.
Exposure to chemicals can cause cancer and other health issues. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the organ's lining and structures inside the body known as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma is most commonly related to asbestos exposure. Exposure to asbestos can trigger the development of peritoneal or pleural cancers or a combination of both, referred to as biphasic. The symptoms are usually found in the chest wall and lungs, however they can also be observed in the abdomen and heart.
The symptoms of mesothelioma typically don't show up for 20 to 60 years after exposure to asbestos. When symptoms appear, it's important to seek a mesothelioma diagnose from a specialist instead of an oncologist. Specialists in mesothelioma have experience with the asbestos types that cause the disease and can accurately diagnose the condition in light of a patient's past of exposure.
Some people who have been exposed to asbestos do not realize they are at risk of developing mesothelioma, or their physician does not believe mesothelioma is the right diagnosis due to their exposure experience. Those who have a family member who has mesothelioma might also have an increased chance of developing this type of cancer. It is essential to speak with a mesothelioma expert about your asbestos exposure and any health issues you are experiencing.
4. Genetics
Certain genes have been found to increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. People with a genetic mutation could develop mesothelioma despite having only minimal asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma can be a cancer of the mesothelium- the tissue that covers most internal organs. Asbestos fibers can penetrate the mesothelium's thin layer of tissue, and the sharp edges alter the genetic balance of cells over time. Cells with an unbalanced balance can expand out of control and reproduce themselves, forming groups. These clumps can develop into tumors over time that can affect surrounding tissues and organs.
There are other causes of mesothelioma which include asbestos exposure. Some patients have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to minerals, such as silica or erionite. Others have developed mesothelioma due to contact with paint additives containing asbestos. In the past, asbestos paint was used to shield metal pipes. Other asbestos products include shingles and fireproof fabric.
A genetic mutation on chromosome 3 can cause mesothelioma. This mutation is caused by an alteration in the BAP1 gene. The BAP1 gene regulates the channel that moves calcium inside cells. If this gene is altered, calcium levels fall which increases the risk of cancer from carcinogens like asbestos.
Scientists have observed mesothelioma clustering in some families, including those with no known asbestos exposure from work. The affected family members carry the BAP1 gene mutation that predisposes them to mesothelioma. In one family with a mesothelioma link the affected members all carried the same BAP1 mutation.
Researchers are trying to discover what causes mesothelioma. The more information doctors possess, the better equipped they are to recognize and treat mesothelioma. Finding factors that increase the chance of mesothelioma developing in an individual can help in preventing.
Smoking and family history are just two of the risk factors that can be changed. However, some of the risk factors are indefinite. Despite the fact that exposure to asbestos has been reduced due to the ban on mesothelioma, cases of mesothelioma continue to rise across the globe. This is probably due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of the disease. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. north richland hills asbestos lawsuit is likely because men are more prone to work in jobs that expose them to asbestos and also because wives of asbestos workers could be exposed to asbestos through the clothing of their husbands.